Defending champs spoil Sky's opener

Monarchs 76, Sky 63

The WNBA thought it would be a nice idea for its defending champions officially to welcome the league's 14th franchise in its home opener Tuesday night.

And so the Sacramento Monarchs welcomed the Chicago Sky--sort of like the way a large NFL linebacker welcomes a skinny rookie receiver coming across the middle.

That said, the city's newest summer attraction made a positive first impression, both as an entertainment vehicle and as a basketball team, staying within striking distance before succumbing 76-63 to a Monarchs club that flattened Phoenix 105-78 in their season opener.

Beginning with the national anthem performed by minority owner Michelle Williams, and continuing with a full-out cheer by Sky starting forward Nikki McCray to get the crowd of 5,112 at the UIC Pavilion revved up, Tuesday was a night that introduced the WNBA to a fan base that seemed to like what it saw.

"I didn't know what to expect, but I was glad I saw a lot of people having a good time and watching a competitive basketball game," Sky coach Dave Cowens said. "I thought we matched their intensity the entire game, and that's all we can ask for as coaches."

The Sky trailed the entire way as the Monarchs led by as many as 13 points in the first half behind the dominant inside play of former Carver star and Sacramento center Yolanda Griffith (nine rebounds, eight points, six assists). The defending champs were clearly bigger, sharper and more cohesive, but the upstarts hung in and trimmed Sacramento's lead to seven with 4:06 to go.

WNBA Commissioner Donna Orender welcomed the Sky as little girls dressed in uniforms representing the other 13 franchises surrounded team owner Michael Alter and club president Margaret Stender.

After winning before a crowd of 6,000 in the 19,026-seat capacity Charlotte Bobcats Arena in their season opener Saturday, the Sky's nearly full 6,500-capacity home was a welcome sight. Orender said she was satisfied with the league's opening weekend.

"I was in Sacramento Saturday, and it was sold out at 17,321," Orender said. "We had nearly 10,000 and filled the lower bowl in Seattle. Every market is a little different."